Ferguson 'offered Ancelotti the United job'

Sir Alex Ferguson wanted Carlo Ancelotti to replace him at Manchester United, according to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Ancelotti had just won the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain and was in talks to take over from Jose Mourinho at Real.

Was Del Bosque approached?

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Spanish newspaper AS claims Manchester United only appointed Louis van Gaal as their manager after being turned down by current Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque. Sir Alex Ferguson was said to be involved again in a formal offer made in April, but the 63 year old turned it down to stay with Spain.

The report also says that Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was another candidate on the shortlist to replace David Moyes.

But Perez, speaking on Spanish radio, revealed that Ferguson and United attempted to hijack the deal.

"Ferguson called [Ancelotti] to be his successor but he told him he had already promised to come here with us."

United and Ferguson opted for David Moyes, but the former Everton manager was sacked after less than a year in charge with the club languishing in seventh place in the Premier League and out of all cup competitions.

Perez also denied that Ancelotti would have been dismissed if Real had lost the Champions League final to Madrid rivals Atletico - a possibility United were said to have taken into consideration as they weighed up a move to appoint Louis van Gaal.

"At no time was a he on his way out," he added. "I would have brought him to the club sooner if I could have."